At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead large-scale planning projects and manage complex developments from strategy to consent.
- Company: Dynamic private developer with a flat structure and in-house construction.
- Benefits: Highly competitive package and the chance to shape the East of England's landscape.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with direct access to decision-makers and no corporate nonsense.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant projects and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: MRICS qualified with 20 years of experience in planning and development.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Twenty years of graft. Hard-won consents. Complex schemes. Difficult LPAs. Projects that changed the landscape — literally. If that's you, this is the role that does justice to everything you've built. An absolute uniron of a role for someone who has been round the block - is very commercial and has the technical planning experience for large scale, complex projects/planning/developments!
The Business
- Privately owned developer with in-house construction — they don't just plan it, they build it
- £40 million turnover and accelerating
- Flat structure — fast decisions, direct access to the people who matter
- Zero corporate nonsense, zero public sector pace
- Suffolk-based, within 60 miles of IP6
- Schemes across Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire — developments that will define this region for decades
The Role
- Own the planning function — strategy to consent, end to end
- Lead complex large-scale residential and mixed-use schemes — some running 1–3 years
- Instruct and manage external consultants, planning lawyers and counsel
- Engage directly with LPAs, statutory consultees and stakeholders
- Contribute commercially to land acquisition decisions and site appraisals
- Work shoulder to shoulder with construction, commercial and development teams
- Stay ahead of emerging local plans, policy shifts and legislative change
- Protect and grow the land pipeline through sharp, strategic planning
Who You Are
- MRICS qualified — non-negotiable
- 20 years minimum across planning, development and construction combined
- Built your career in the private sector — you understand land value, viability and the real cost of delay
- Experienced with large, complex, long-cycle schemes — you've carried projects from promotion to consent and know what's at stake when the detail is wrong
- Commercial as well as technical — you contribute to land bids, read viability appraisals and protect the bottom line
- Hands-on and decisive — in the room, not above it
- Strong existing relationships with LPAs across the East of England
- Living within 60 miles of Ipswich — this is your market and you know it.
What This Isn't
- Not a corporate role.
- Not a committee seat.
- Not a title with no teeth.
This is a senior appointment inside a fast-moving private developer where your decisions are real, your fingerprints are on genuine schemes, and the legacy you leave on the East of England landscape is something you'll actually be proud of. If that's speaking to you — let's talk.
Planning Director in Suffolk employer: Duval Associates Ltd - Permanent Recruitment Specialists
As a privately owned developer based in Suffolk, we offer a dynamic work environment that prioritises fast decision-making and direct access to key stakeholders, ensuring that your contributions have a tangible impact on the region's landscape. Our flat organisational structure fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, while our commitment to employee growth means you will have opportunities to lead complex projects and shape your career in a meaningful way. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and allows you to leave a lasting legacy in East Anglia.
Contact Detail:
Duval Associates Ltd - Permanent Recruitment Specialists Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Director in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially those in planning and development. Attend local events or join relevant groups to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and successes. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and the impact you've made in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in navigating complex schemes and engaging with LPAs. We want to see your passion and knowledge!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Director in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Planning Director role. Highlight your 20 years of experience in planning, development, and construction, and don’t forget to mention any large-scale projects you've led!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for planning and how your hands-on approach has made a difference in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Relationships:We want to see your connections! Mention your existing relationships with LPAs across the East of England and how they’ve helped you navigate complex schemes. This will show us you know the landscape inside out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duval Associates Ltd - Permanent Recruitment Specialists
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your past projects in detail. Be ready to explain the complexities you faced, how you navigated through them, and the outcomes. This role is all about large-scale, complex schemes, so showcasing your experience will be key.
✨Understand the Local Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the local planning authorities and their recent decisions. Being able to discuss current local plans and policy shifts will show that you're proactive and well-informed, which is crucial for this position.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Prepare to talk about how you've contributed to land acquisition decisions and site appraisals in the past. Highlight your understanding of land value and viability, as this role requires a strong commercial mindset alongside technical expertise.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you can engage effectively with LPAs and other stakeholders. Share examples of how you've built relationships in the past and how you plan to maintain those connections in this new role. This will show that you're not just a planner but a collaborator.
